In a tragic turn of events, Sri Lanka cricketer Dunith Wellalage received devastating news during the Asia Cup 2025 match against Afghanistan on Thursday. While competing at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Wellalage’s father, Suranga Wellalage, tragically passed away from a heart attack. Dunith was informed of the loss only after the match ended.
A heartfelt video surfaced showing Sri Lanka coach Sanath Jayasuriya breaking the news to Wellalage. In the emotional moment, Jayasuriya is seen comforting the young player, placing his arm around his shoulder.
Russel Arnold’s Heartfelt Words
During the match commentary, former Sri Lanka cricketer Russel Arnold expressed his condolences and paid tribute to Suranga Wellalage, who had been involved in cricket. “Dunith Wellalage’s father, Suranga, passed away just a while ago. He played cricket too. Our school cricket scene is very competitive. He captained Prince of Wales College when I was leading my team at St Peter’s,” Arnold remarked on Sony Sports Network.
He continued, “It’s incredibly sad to hear. The news reached Dunith after the game. Our deepest sympathies to his family. While the celebrations will be subdued, the bond within the team will hopefully strengthen as they move forward into the Super 4 stage.”
Dunith Wellalage’s Performance in the Match
Despite the heartbreaking news, Wellalage stayed on to finish the game. His performance against Afghanistan was challenging, as he conceded 49 runs in 4 overs and took just one wicket. The highlight of the match came when Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi hit 5 sixes in a single over, amassing 60 runs off just 22 balls.
Although Wellalage’s efforts weren’t enough to stop Nabi’s onslaught, Sri Lanka secured a win in the final Group B match. The team managed to pull through despite a fierce challenge from Afghanistan.
Suranga Wellalage was also a cricketer in his own right, having captained Prince of Wales College. Although he never played at the national level, his legacy remains part of Sri Lanka’s school cricket history. The loss has deeply affected the Sri Lankan cricket community, with Wellalage’s teammates rallying around him in this difficult time.
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